Statement by Ambassador Wang Min, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, at the Second Session of the Intergovernmental Preparatory Committee for the Fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries

2011/04/04

New York, 4 April 2011

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese delegation supports the statement made by Argentina on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We thank Under-Secretary-General Diarra, government of the host country Turkey, and Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the Intergovernmental Preparatory Committee for the tremendous efforts they have made in preparation for the Conference．Mr. Chairman,

It is the common responsibility of the international community to support the sustainable development of the LDCs．A forward-looking, strong and coordinated plan of action will provide important assurance for this endeavor. The Chinese government stands ready to work with other countries to strengthen support for the LDCs across the board, and push for fruitful results for the Fourth UN Conference on the LDCs．To show the sincerity of the Chinese government and as a specific measure of support, I hereby announce that the Chinese government will contribute 300,000 US dollars to the Trust Fund of the Conference to be used specifically for financing the participation of the LDCs delegates in the Conference．

Mr. Chairman,

With the Conference barely a month away and despite the positive attitude of all member states, significant differences remain to be bridged as indicated by the consultations on the outcome document. The Chinese delegation would like to make three points toward the resolution of some of the outstanding issues：

First, as the most vulnerable group in the world economic system, to achieve economic growth, the LDCs must overcome a wide array of difficulties and inherent weakness on top of their weak foundation. The international community is duty bound to help them get out of the difficult situation as soon as possible．What we need to do urgently is to support the development requests made by the LDCs on the basis of their own development reality and difficulties, respect their leadership and ownership, and reaffirm and strengthen the firm commitments we have made to them. The Chinese delegation calls on all member states to immediately translate the constructive attitude into realaction, display the political will to support the LDCs, and push for early and substantive progress in the negotiations．

Second, the Conference should focus on the development of the LDCs, muster and strengthen international support for the LDCs, fully in line with the mandate of the Conference as authorized by the relevant UN resolutions．The Chinese delegation supports the common position of the Group of 77 and China on issues such as "development partner" and structure of the outcome document. We would like to reiterate that all member states should follow the consensus reached by the relevant UN resolutions on "development partner" and South-South cooperation．The outcome document should continue to employ the framework structure of the Brussels Program of Action. Developed countries, in particular, should shoulder the primary responsibility of financing for development, and fulfill their commitment to allocating 0．15-0．2% of their GNI as official development assistance to the LDCs．They should also respond positively the requests of the LDCs to include new support commitments for the LDCs in the outcome document of the Fourth UN Conference on the LDCs．

Third, South-South cooperation places emphasis on capacity building, respects the views of the participating countries, and seeks mutual benefit and win-win results through cooperation. It has become an effective way to support the development of the LDCs．Nevertheless, we have to bear in mind that South-South cooperation is only a useful complement to North-South cooperation. It cannot substitute North-South cooperation in providing support to developing countries, especially the LDCs．South-South cooperation can not be forced into the policy framework and guiding principles of North-South cooperation.

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese government has all along fulfilled its international obligations with concrete actions．Supporting the development of the LDCs is an important part of our assistance to other developing countries, and have done our best to provide economic and technical assistance and capacity building training to these countries．Over the years, China has followed the eight principles of foreign assistance, including equality, mutual benefit and common development. Based on the priorities and demands of the host countries, we have supported the LDCs in their efforts to achieve economic growth, social progress and sustainable development. China’s assistance has no political preconditions, does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries or seek any political privilege．Ours is assistance among friends. Our purpose is to offer the LDCs concrete help and assistance and make contribution to their economic prosperity, social stability, peace and well being of the people．

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, the Chinese delegation looks forward to working closely with other member states towards a successful Fourth UN Conference on the LDCs，which will help the LDCs embark on the path of sustainable growth and prosperity．